From left to right: Arthur Duncan, director Dean Hargrove, actor Norman LLoyd, and cinematographer Stephen Poster at a screening of, Arthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys, how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner, the first African-American photographers and their portraits. Duncan recalled the furor and the actor backing him during those testing times. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=289be4dd-5b1f-48bc-990f-ec567999e080'; cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "289be4dd-5b1f-48bc-990f-ec567999e080" }).render("8791f6495fab447280f16fc61516a837"); }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) Arthur had seen everything he needed to see in life after reuniting with Betty. According to the 2018 PBS documentary, Betty White: First Lady of Television, (available on Netflix) Duncan credited White for his first big break. Fans mourn Betty White on social media - ajc Betty White: reglnyok: Bea Arthur: reglnyok: Phylicia Rashad: The Cosby Show Rue McClanahan: reglnyok: Shelley Long: Cheers: . She just cared about giving people the respect they deserve. Arthur Duncan, the dancer in question, was a young man in his twenties, striving to make a mark in the industry. Her response: "I'm sorry. So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. Live with . url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. Among White's decisions as host and producer were to hire a female director and make Arthur Duncan, who is Black, a series regular. "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. 2023 deaths in the United States - Wikipedia The comedian had a natural affinity towards animals, particularly elephants and gorillas. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { ', 'What could be better than show business? Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. In December 1957, he became the first Black man to join Bob Hopes 100-member troupe to tour U.S. military bases worldwide. She treated Arthur like a friend and fought tooth and nail to have him on her show. env: 'prod', } Tai Saint-Louis January 2, 2022 6442 Arthur Duncan and Betty White, reunited by Steve Harvey As the world mourns actress and comedienne Betty White, who passed away on Dec. 31, many are. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. Arthur Duncan, pioneering Black tap dancer, dies at 97 White continued to resist the pressurecoming from stations in the South and used Duncanmore, until the show was canceled in 1954 the same year segregationin public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. R.I.P. 1937) Elwood . After MLKs home was bombed, he refused to back down: This movement will not stop, The brave, forgotten Kansas lunch counter sit-in that helped change America, Sam Howell is the Commanders first-string QB for now, Nationals relievers see benefit in tinkering with new pitches, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors. He told her, I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over. And without missing a beat, Betty replied, Oh, I hope so. In the documentary, White described that all through the South there was this whole ruckus, they were going to take the show off the air if we didnt get rid of Arthur because he was Black., Added Duncan: People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. Tell us what you think! Subscribe to Newsletter kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', White explained the controversy in the documentary, "All through the South there was this whole ruckus, they were going to take the show off the air if we didn't get rid of Arthur because he was Black," said White. Today, many of us dont even comprehend the power she wielded, the significance she carried as the foremost Golden Girl of our zeitgeist, or how she unshakably fought to bring justice and diversity to our screens. Duncan even tapped a routine in front of Betty White in a throwback to their time on her show from the 50s. What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. When encouraged to take Arthur Duncan off the air, White, then in her 30s, said: "I'm sorry, but, you know, he stays," per the Post. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. She is older than Mickey Mouse. This soon led to the show's cancellation. She produced and starred in the sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1953-1955), making . It has since been updated. The show. Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. The Betty White Show (1952 TV series) - Wikipedia Duncan, who is black, was on the show when it went national and southern states started complaining about his inclusion in the show. (1954) nem adtak t djat (1955) Nanette Fabray (1956) Nanette Fabray (1957) Jane Wyatt (1958) The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. Sandy Duncan: Funny Face 1973 Mary Tyler Moore: Mary Tyler Moore: Bea Arthur: Maude Jean Stapleton: . . Betty White holds the record for "longest television career of any female or male entertainer." She is older than sliced bread. This article was published more than1 year ago. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. It was the first time in over 60 years that Arthur Duncan and Betty White had appeared on stage together. Have something to tell us about this article? Betty didnt let her age hamper her ability to empathize with others, even if they were of a completely different background than her. Betty White was facing pressure from stations in the South but used Duncan even more until the show was canceled in 1954. This took place in 1954: when American society was still organized on the basis of hard racial lines, and segregation was considered the norm. Some facts about Betty White . Registry of Corporate Directors. She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. Betty White, 99, gives health update in rare interview after fans fear "The first TV show I had ever been on, and I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, in television," he said. Betty White defied racist demands with her 1954 variety show - The In the early 1950s, White faced criticism for featuring Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer and singer, on a few episodes of her variety talk show The Betty White Show.. Betty knew she wasnt some prominent politician or royalty she was merely a television actress but she was still extremely self-aware of her influence on the country. She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', As the world mourns actress and comedienneBetty White, who passed away on Dec. 31, many are discovering or being reminded of the way she broke TV barriers with tap dancerArthur Duncan. 29K views 1 year ago Arthur Duncan (born September 25, 1933) is an American tap dancer, known for his stint as a performer on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982, which, along with his. Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. A tap dancer with remarkable skill, Arthur Duncan was the first African American to be hired as a series regular on the variety shows of early television. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. It's been claimed that Duncan's fixed role on "The Betty White Show" as a singer and dancer meant he was the first Black American to have a regular appearance on a TV variety show. He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. I am one bad ass bitch. Getty Images. A Look at All of Betty White's Homes. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. Duncan performed alongside stars like actress Jayne Mansfield, singer Jerry Colonna, comedian Hedda Hopper, and the Les Brown orchestra in places like Pearl Harbor, Korea, Okinawa, and Guam. Betty White: 8 Fascinating Things To Know About Her Life And Work There was even a regular childrens segment. Watch The Betty White Show (November 29th, 1954) 1 Video 3 Photos Family Music Talk-Show Daytime show with Betty White talking to guests, singing with the orchestra, etc. page_type: 'article', CNN . Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com, In the 1950s, Betty White was criticized for having Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan on her variety talk show, The Betty White Show., Image Via Film screenshot/Wikimedia Commons. Black Men XCEL White died on Friday, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday, news that prompted a look back on a career that included advocacy on many fronts. ]); Arthur Duncan, Trailblazing Dancer for Betty White, Lawrence Welk, Dies baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', cat: 'entertainment', When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Betty White refused to remove Black dancer on her show in 1954 - USA TODAY White's team of talent included Black performer Arthur Duncan, who was about 21 at the time and looking for his big break. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. White had already spent years trying to break into film and TV and eventually managed to become a co-host of the Hollywood on Film talk show in 1949 and left only to launch her own company. pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT. However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. After learning about Arthur Duncan, read about how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner. Following his breakthrough performances on variety shows, Arthur Duncan was invited to be part of Bob Hopes troupe of performers to tour US military bases and was the first African-American to do so. He we as a tap dancer and singer who White was quite fond of and wanted to help him get more exposure. When she's not writing or scouring the internet for ideas, you can find her playing Genshin Impact or eating Biriyani. Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. See, back in 1954 Betty White served as the host and producer of The Betty White Show, a comedic variety show that was geared toward families and entertainment. Live with it. , Betty White, one of the most endearing and enduring faces on television, dies at 99. Her response: "I'm sorry. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. This material may not be reproduced without permission. } But this story is true. The first TV show I had ever been on, and I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, in television, he said. The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. When Steve Harvey asked Arthur what it was like to see his old friend, he joked, Im ready to go now. But before God could take him, Arthur wanted to catch up with Betty first. A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. Duncan, 88, was a regular featured performer on White's NBC variety talk show, The Betty White Show , in the . Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. Arthur Duncan - Biography - IMDb She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. After appearing as a guest on the show, Lawrence Welk offered Duncan a permanent spot as a member of his \"musical family.\"The 1989 film Tap featured Duncan in a cameo appearance with other famous tap dancers.In 2004 Duncan was honored at the annual \"Tap Extravaganza\" in New York City.In 2006, Duncan was honored for his contributions to tap dance at the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Festival.In 2017, Duncan appeared on the series premiere episode of the reality talent series Little Big Shots: Forever Young, where he performed a dance and reunited with actress Betty White.In 2018, Duncan made an appearance on The Talk as part of a surprise for co-host Sheryl Underwood who performed a tap dance routine with Savion Glover as part of the show's New Year's Evolution. Betty White's Life in Photos - Peoplemag You never call. Still, as the only Black cast member, the show also posed a unique risk to Duncan, according to dance historian Constance Valis Hill: In an era in which blacks and whites did not even hold hands, let alone kiss each other on nationally broadcast television programs, Duncan was often seen standing in the background, trying very hard not to look like he was with any of the women on the program.. The Controversial Decision That Nearly Ruined Betty White's Career As in, before the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Little Rock Nine and the Greensboro, N.C., lunch-counter sit-ins. Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". In 1954 Betty White had a talk show and faced criticism for including a black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, on her show.Betty responded with Im sorry. Im ready to go now, he morbidly joked as White approached. The almost-centenarian was an icon in every sense of the word: with a career spanning eighty years, she marked a turning point for women in entertainment. Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. subcat: '', At 99 Years Old Betty White Lives In A Luxurious California Mansion Arthur Duncans early career was helped immensely by breakthrough performances on The Jimmie Rodgers Show and, of course, The Betty White Show. FLASHBACK: Lawrence Welk star Arthur Duncan credits Betty White for his BETTY White has updated fans on her health in rare interview after fans fear for the beloved Golden Girl ahead of 100th birthday.The actress, 99, crep . Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. cat: 'entertainment', On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. When she was encouraged to take him offbecause of the color of his skin,she politely declined. In 1957, Duncan joined Bob Hope's troupe touring U.S. military bases, making him the first African American to be part of that 100-member group. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', After the Pacific tour, Duncan spent several years performing at countless venues across Europe. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. ': Betty White's quips and quotes through the years. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. She deploys language as a way to connect with her audience and empower them to take action. Duncan gave Underwood flowers to congratulate her return to tap dancing.In 2020, Duncan was inducted into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame of the American Tap Dance Foundation. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. When The Betty White Show was rolled out on TV channels across the US, many stations and viewers in southern US states threatened to boycott the show unless Arthur Duncan was removed owing to the segregation laws and attitudes towards race that were prevalent at the time. Live with it," and she gave Duncan even more airtime. Betty White In Person (1987). Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). "In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show," The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center tweeted after her death. "I did something a little. One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}.